In what comes as an embarrassment for not only the Maharashtra government’s alliance partner NCP but also for women in general, Maharashtra Women Commission member Asha Mirje has said that women are themselves responsible for rape.

Speaking at the NCP women wing gathering in Nagpur, Mirje said that three factors are responsible for rape on women – a woman’s dress, her behaviour and her presence at inappropriate places. According to the MCW member, these factors provoke incidents like rape.

Addressing NCP members, Mirje asked what was the need for Delhi braveheart of December 16 gangrape to go for movie at 11 in the night. She also questioned the prudence of Mumbai Shakti Mill gangrape survuior to go to such a deserted place at 6 pm.

Mirje said that every woman should ask herself if it is at all necessary for her to go when she intends to go.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule, who heads NCP’s women wing, was present at the stage when Mirje made the remark. It is learnt that Sule didn’t object to Mirje’s statement.

The Congress, however, distanced herself from Mirje’s remarks. Party leader Rita Bahuguna said that Mirje’s remakrs was not party’s opinion and such statements were unacceptable.